Karim Benzema’s tumultuous Saudi adventure is set for a dramatic late window twist, with the former Real Madrid superstar poised to ditch Al Ittihad and complete a shock switch to Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal in the coming hours.
According to reports from Diario AS, the 38 year old’s contract extension talks with Al Ittihad have collapsed acrimoniously, leaving the veteran “very unhappy” with the terms offered. With his deal expiring this summer, the club have opted to cut their losses now, allowing him to leave for free to save on his mammoth remaining salary.
Benzema is now in advanced talks to fill the void at Al Hilal, who are set to lose Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo to a loan move to Atletico Madrid. The move represents a stunning intra league transfer between two of the division’s heavyweight clubs.
The Frenchman’s two a half year stint at Al Ittihad yielded an impressive 57 goals in 87 games, but has been marred by persistent rumours of discontent and a fleeting, but nostalgic, hint at a potential return to Real Madrid last year.
While the financial terms of his prospective Al Hilal deal remain unclear, the length of the contract is seen as a key indicator of his future plans. At 38, any agreement is unlikely to exceed 18 months, potentially signalling that the former Ballon d’Or winner is entering the final chapter of his illustrious career.
If he can maintain fitness, Benzema’s elite movement and finishing could prove a masterstroke for an Al Hilal side chasing glory. For now, the Saudi Pro League’s relentless transfer carousel has produced its biggest late January shock yet.
